Sitting here trying to write another holiday feature, I discover that my kitten can't stand the fact she's not getting all of my attention. Instead, my computer--a square thingy without feathers, fur or bells (all things she can relate to because I spoil her in toys)--has suddenly become a threat. With a spray bottle of water in hand ready to squirt every two seconds, I am reminded of how it used to be before her. Especially not having to hear furious darting noises of a mischievous creature trying to blow off steam. Ah, the phrase "not a creature was stirring" really sounds like bliss. It also happens to be the title of a children's story written by B. Wolf. Now through December 23, the Kathy Burks Theatre of Puppetry Arts will perform its rendition of Not a Creature Was Stirring. Come see little farm mice get into big trouble on Christmas Eve. The show uses a variety of props including marionettes and black theater rod puppets. All performances are at the Dallas Children's Theater's Rosewood Center for Family Arts located at 5938 Skillman St. Call 214-978-0110. --Jenice Johnson
Home Made
Be a budding Bob Villa
12/19
Tired of renting? Want a home to call your own? Well, this weekend you can become the proud owner of a newly built house. All you need is a dash of holiday cheer, two heaping tablespoons of patience and $55. On Saturday and Sunday, Hotel Crescent Court is offering gingerbread classes for children, a family event where you can create your own gingerbread house, take home one that's already constructed (for $75) or pick up a kit so you can do your house building at home. Just remember: A wise man builds his house upon the rock. If you're ready to get messy and are just a little curious about whether you have a future architect in the family, get a sweet start with this tasty workshop. Saturday classes are at 10:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m., and Sunday classes are at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. Call 214-871-3200 for required reservations. --Rhonda Reinhart
Best Intentions
Ongoing
Compared with most Christmas-story characters, we're all getting coal in our stockings. Meet the Herdmans. They're a maliciously merry band of siblings who set things on fire, smoke cigars and set out to raise holy havoc on a church's holiday pageant. Finally, some Christmas characters you can feel superior to. But, by the end of this classic children's story, the Herdmans' performance leaves traditional pageants in the dust. No small feat from a motley crew who were only at church in the first place for the desserts. The Best Christmas Pageant Ever shows at 7 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays and at 3 p.m. Sundays through December 21. Tickets are $10 to $12. Runway Theatre is at 215 N. Dooley St., Grapevine. Call 817-488-4842 or visit www.runwaytheatre.com. --Stephanie Durham
